What Construction Can Learn from SaaS: Applying Tech-Sector Thinking to Job Sites

(Sponsored) Software as a Service (SaaS) is the right technology at the right time for the evolving construction industry. SaaS has redefined how businesses use and manage their data and software.

Developers can now integrate software changes before, during, and after release, as the scalability and instant collaboration made possible through cloud computing make the static models of the past obsolete.

The construction industry is rapidly transitioning from manual methods to Building Information Modeling (BIM) and cloud-based project management solutions.

Industry leaders can look to the tech sector for guidance as they seek to maximize the benefits of this technology.

1. Agile Mindset: From Static Planning to Adaptive Execution

An agile mindset involves a willingness to absorb new information and remain adaptable within a working environment that fosters problem-solving and innovation.

This mindset is behind many of the software and technology breakthroughs we have witnessed over the past decade, with cloud-based SaaS solutions and real-time information enabling the rapid pace of innovation.

Modern construction projects involve thousands of variables, ranging from design and material choices to workforce constraints and weather issues, making the static planning processes of the past impractical in the digital age.

Leading SaaS solutions in construction, such as RIB Software, support an agile mindset by integrating real-time information through purpose-built scheduling, estimating, resource management, and document control modules, which enable plans to be continuously adapted and optimized.

2. Centralized Platforms and Cloud Collaboration

The tech industry is embracing the power of collaboration like never before, with innovators all around the world leveraging cloud-based tools to test code and debug issues quickly, or implement DevOps practices to encourage collaboration with operations teams during the development phase.

Breaking down silos leads to greater efficiency, along with fewer surprises and quality issues for customers.

Collaboration on vast construction sites has always been challenging, with the information traditionally shared through paper blueprints and limited verbal communication leaving too much room for errors and misinterpretation.

Thankfully, unified software platforms and mobile device access make the benefits of collaboration, which are enjoyed by the tech industry, available to construction stakeholders, including engineers, designers, and owners working from different locations.

Centralized platforms improve version control while making it easier to track progress, communicate potential quality or safety issues, and minimize rework.

3. Data-Driven Decision Making

Most discussions on the benefits of SaaS focus on the convenience that comes from real-time software updates and security patches, unlimited scalability, and the convenience of offloading software maintenance to third parties.

SaaS solutions also improve efficiency simply by collecting and consolidating information, making powerful data analysis forecasting processes possible.

Saas improves decision-making in construction by:

• Predicting upcoming resource constraints and material shortages
• Connecting leaders in remote locations to real-time metrics and reports
• Providing timely updates on cost performance vs. budget expectations
• Supporting advanced construction risk management practices

BIM platforms also support informed decisions by allowing various design, material, and construction scenarios to be tested in the digital realm without burning precious time and resources.

6D BIM extends this benefit to energy efficiency, embodied carbon, and operational performance variables that determine the sustainability of a building throughout its lifecycle.

4. Recurring Value Through Efficient Cost Control

The tech industry has leveraged SaaS to control costs, utilizing pay-as-you-go resources to test software and design concepts in the cloud and eliminate the mistakes and rework that can frustrate customers and damage reputations.

Businesses of all types and sizes use SaaS to control and manage their own costs, with centralized procurement, labor, and expense tracking databases linked to project budgets and financial reporting services.

With over 90% of construction projects worldwide exceeding their original budgets, the effective cost control and dynamic scheduling processes made possible by SaaS allow project managers to continually evaluate cost information and change course quickly to avoid overruns, payment delays, or quality issues.

Cloud-based cost management software provides a single source of truth to improve financial control and insight.

The Future of SaaS in Construction

Construction will always be a physical business, but its future lies in digital thinking and real-time data access. SaaS will remain at the center of this transition as project teams improve their efficiency, collaboration, decision-making, and cost management with the help of user-friendly, cloud-based software tools.

The technology industry has demonstrated the potential of SaaS for accelerating innovation and eliminating project downtime.

Applying these principles to a wide variety of construction settings can be challenging, but the continued application of cloud-based design and information sharing software will provide the world with smarter buildings, and smarter businesses.